Appearing as a guest on a podcast hosted by veteran actor and presenter Shekhar Suman, Dutt remarked that while Indians are inherently generous and hospitable, he currently struggles to feel a sense of peace within the country, adding that he prays for the swift return of a harmonious environment. The actor's comments triggered widespread criticism online, with a section of netizens labeling him a "hypocrite" and recalling his conviction under the Arms Act linked to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. During the investigation into the March 1993 attacks, Dutt was found in illegal possession of an AK-56 rifle and ammunition. Although cleared of conspiracy and terrorism charges, the Supreme Court of India upheld a five-year prison sentence under the Arms Act in 2013, which he completed at Pune's Yerwada Central Jail before his release in February 2016. Social media users argued that Dutt's past criminal record undermines his moral authority to lecture the public on peace, reigniting debate surrounding his controversial past.